SpO2
Medical abbreviation · Patient Assessment
| Stands for | Peripheral oxygen saturation |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SpO2 stands for Peripheral oxygen saturation, a patient assessment abbreviation.
Percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen, measured noninvasively with a pulse oximeter clipped to a finger, ear or forehead. Healthy adults usually read 95 to 100 percent at sea level.
Example: SpO2 91% on RA, increased to 96% on 2 L NC.
Usage notes
The small p means "peripheral" or "pulse", distinguishing it from SaO2 measured in arterial blood. A 2020 New England Journal of Medicine study found oximeters missed low oxygen more often in Black patients, prompting FDA review. Nail polish, cold fingers, motion and carbon monoxide poisoning can all mislead readings.
Related abbreviations
More patient assessment abbreviations
- PWD – Pink, warm and dry
- RA – Room air
- RASS – Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
- RLE – Right lower extremity
- RR – Respiratory rate
- RUE – Right upper extremity
- T – Temperature
- TA – Temporal artery temperature
- Tmax – Maximum temperature
- TPR – Temperature, pulse, respiration
- TTP – Tender to palpation
- UTA – Unable to assess
See all 65 patient assessment abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.